The Argentine soccer player Lionel Messi was the only one of the 19 recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom who did not attend the ceremony for the delivery of the highest civilian decoration in the United States, led by President Joe Biden at the White House.
Among the prominent personalities from the political, cultural, sports and artistic fields who received the distinction from Biden were personalities such as the Spanish chef José Andrés, the singer Bono, the star basketball player Earvin “Magic” Johnson and the former US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton.
The big absentee was the current captain of Inter Miami CF and UNICEF ambassador, recognized with the prestigious award for his exemplary contributions to sport and his philanthropic work through the Leo Messi Foundation.
It was not until the same Saturday that it was learned that the player would not be present to receive the medal in person.
Inter Miami, the Major League Soccer (MLS) team that Messi joined in 2023, issued an official statement explaining the reasons for his absence. According to the text, Messi was deeply grateful for the recognition, but due to scheduling conflicts and previously acquired commitments, he was unable to attend the event.
“Leo, through the club, sent a letter to the White House saying that he feels deeply honored and that it is a great privilege to receive this recognition, but that due to scheduling conflicts and previous commitments he would not be able to attend,” the text stressed. to the Voice of America by the South Florida Team Communications Department.
The statement highlighted that the Argentine star “appreciated the gesture” and “indicated that he hopes to have the opportunity to meet with him in the near future.”
Sources around the player also confirmed to the VOA that Leo Messi had planned his Christmas vacation in Rosario, Argentina, his hometown, with his family well in advance, and that despite this recognition by the US government – where he has lived for two years – he preferred to take advantage of this time to be with your loved ones.
“The best of humanity”
The distinction awarded to Messi underlines not only his significance in the sporting field, where he has marked an era as one of the best footballers in history, but also his impact off the field. Through the Leo Messi Foundation, the player has promoted health and education programs for children in vulnerable situations around the world, consolidating his role as a global figure of inspiration.
The ceremony, which marked one of Biden’s last major events in his nearly completed term, celebrated the achievements of those who have contributed significantly to the prosperity and values of the United States, as well as to world peace. In the president’s words, the winners are people who “have shown the best of humanity.”
“The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the nation’s highest civilian honor, awarded to individuals who have made exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values or security of the United States, world peace, or other social, public or private endeavors. important,” acknowledged the Inter Miami statement.
Those awarded the Presidential Medal
Lionel Messi was not the only notable icon among those honored. Figures such as designer Ralph Lauren, editor Anna Wintour, and actors Denzel Washington and Michael J. Fox also received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in a ceremony that celebrated the diversity of contributions to social and cultural progress.
Although Messi left the door open for a future meeting with President Biden, the White House did not offer more details about the possibilities of a meeting.
After this break for the Christmas holidays, Leo Messi is scheduled to rejoin the South Florida club in the coming days to play a friendly match against Club América of Mexico next Sunday, January 19.
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